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Coral Gables, FL — ‘The New Miami’ (#TNM) is not just a new moniker that took off on social media this offseason, it’s a reality. New head coach, new coordinators new assistant coaches, new quarterback and now a new depth chart. The Hurricanes released their list of starters and backups for their opening game against the Florida Gators today for media and fans alike. In this modern era of college football, maintaining and adding depth on a football team is a great challenge that coaches now face.
“Keeping the middle class of your football team around for the long haul is going to be a trick,” said Head Coach Manny Diaz. “The guys that are not quite starters that get into their second, third or fourth year of the program they have a lot of incentive now to leave from outside influences.”
.@CanesFootball depth chart released for game one. pic.twitter.com/87dlpprJcm
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 19, 2019
Miami lost two defensive backs this week that will no longer be with the program. Junior Derrick Smith and redshirt freshman Nigel Bethel Jr. have decided to pursue other options.
Head Coach Manny Diaz
The depth chart list has two new freshmen starting on the offensive line, two new starting safeties as the last line of defense and two players vying for the new cornerback spot. Perhaps the most interesting additions to the starting lineup are at the offensive tackle position.
Two Freshmen Starting On Offensive Line
The Canes will start with true freshman Zion Nelson at left tackle and redshirt freshman John Campbell at right tackle.
“John is a guy that has just gotten better and better and it was probably maybe the second week maybe the second scrimmage if I have it right where he took a step up,” said Diaz. “John never looked out of place. We always thought that John was very talented. We have a young offensive line. We have guys we know that are really really good and John earned the spot.
Although being plugged in on game one will shoulder pressure and responsibility, offensive coordinator Dan Enos feels confident in both tackles abilities.
“We’re excited about those tackles, we’re excited about the offensive line in general,” said Enos. “We’re going to be a team that is very, very young offensively, we get that. Hopefully, we’ll see a team that is going to continue to get better, and better, and better as the season goes on. You gotta get the first start sometime, someplace, somewhere.”
Offensive coordinator @CoachDanEnos talks starting two freshmen at the @CanesFootball offensive tackle positions. Coach Enos expects the two to play well and continue to get better with each week. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/yNtliwdAW5
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 19, 2019
Battle Continues For DB2
On defense, the other cornerback position alongside junior Trajan Bandy is still up for grabs. The contenders, sophomore Al Blades Jr., and DJ Ivey will continue to battle this week for the rights to play the first snap Saturday night. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is confident both will see plenty of game action at Camping World Stadium.
Freshmen continue to get high praise from @CanesFootball coaches. @CoachBlakeBaker said @TecoryC_16 and @IronMan794 will contribute amidst recent defensive back departures and competition for DB2 continues. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/9J3NROHJLs
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 19, 2019
“I think both guys can see reps throughout the game,” said Baker. “I feel comfortable with both of those guys playing out there at corner. The competition has made them both better. I’m really proud of how those two have competed in regards to playing time.”
Defensive Line Not Settled
Baker also stated that there would be a competition this week at the defensive line in regards to who starts against Florida. Junior Jonathan Garvin, junior Jon Ford, Senior Pat Bethel, and redshirt junior Scott Patchan are currently listed as the starters on the D-Line.
Pat Bethel, Senior, Defensive Tackle
Redshirt senior transfer from Virginia Tech Trevon Hill and redshirt senior transfer from UCLA Chigozie Nnoruka will likely see playing time and compete for starting positions on the defensive front.
Two New Safeties
Junior Amari Carter and sophomore Gurval Hall have the tall task of replacing two NFL draftees in Shedrick Redwine and Jaquan Johnson. Hall has flashed in camp and has earned the job over his teammates, but USC transfer Bubba Bolden and freshman Keontra Smith can certainly see some playing time come Saturday.
“Regardless of who goes out there first, they’re all going to play and that’s something that we preach,” said Baker.
The Emotions of Saturday
Plenty of these new players will be playing in the biggest game of their lives on Saturday in Orlando. Coach Diaz understands that managing the emotional swings will be critical to the outcome.
Head @Coach_MannyDiaz talks @CanesFootball handling the emotions of Saturday at today’s press conference. Hurricanes open the #CollegeFootball season against rival @GatorsFB in Orlando at 7PM eastern. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/BfwTOIrNjh
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 19, 2019
“It is a rivalry game in a stadium where the fans will be split 50/50. Being able to manage our emotions and to stay even-keeled and stay present will be crucial on Saturday.”
It’s safe to say that the Canes will be acting brand new come Saturday and with a win, a new start is just what this program needs after a disappointing 7-5 2018 season.
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